The broad aim of research efforts in my laboratory is to track the generation and maintenance of immune responses following infection or immunization and to study the nature of microbial homeostasis and its disruption in the gut. The laboratory works in close collaboration with Dr Vineeta Bal and Dr. Satyajit Rath. With the help of molecular, biochemical and cellular in vitro approaches, as well as classical in vivo approaches, we are currently:

Identifying signals that control B cell differentiation. We have shown that signaling through the TNF receptors CD27 and CD40 during B cell activation inhibits the generation of antibody secreting plasma cells while enhancing the generation of memory cells. We are currently probing the effect of homeostatic ligation of CD40 in influencing cell fate determination.

Assessing factors that influence plasma cell longevity. We have shown recently that nitric oxide is involved in signaling pathways that affect the survival of plasma cells in spleen and bone marrow. We are currently attempting to determine if it is also involved in the survival of autoreaactive plasma cells.

Trying to identify adjuvants that will facilitate an IgAresponse following subcutaneous immunization. The idea is to cirvumvent problems associated with oral immunization, such as poor absorption, lack of oral adjuvants and the difficulty of boosting by this route

Looking at how the diversity of intestinal microflora is influenced by the absence of specific cytokines and other molecules, and whether this correlates with differential levels of basal B cell stimulation in vivo.